BUSTER became famous as a young dog in 1996 after he defended himself against a goose in St James's Park – a goose which, unfortunately, belonged to the Queen.

Pursued by the press ever since, he has sought solace in writing. Never before has the reading public been offered such insight into the canine world.

The indignities of a train journey, tied to a table while bacon sandwiches pass by, told to ‘hush’ no matter how incisive the contribution to a conversation, the diaries also reveal the strain of living with the Man (aka former Labour deputy leader Roy Hattersley).

This is a memoir which pet owners will fully appreciate, probing the strong relationship between people and mute creatures.

It’s a love that sometimes can go beyond reason, but reflects a profound attachment.